Rehov Hashumshum in Israel

November 24, 1971

JERUSALEM (Nov. 23)

“Hatuchal lomar li aich lehagia le Rehov Hashumshum?” Israeli children will be asking that question after today–it’s the Hebrew equivalent of “Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?” “Sesame Street,” the widely praised American education-through-entertainment program, premiered in Israel over the Television Service of the Broadcasting Authority, popularly known as General Television, which is received on home sets. It will be shown in the original English version–with occasional explanations in Hebrew–beginning with the first episode, which was seen in the US two years ago.

Two weeks ago, a special committee appointed by Yigal Allon. Deputy Premier and Education Minister, recommended that “Sesame Street” broadcasts in Israel not be extended to the in-school educational/instructional network, on grounds that it is not educational enough and depicts pigs. (In New York, a CTW spokesman said he could not recall any pigs on the show in its first two years–“certainly not in major roles.”)